LEAP Scholars Program

Research Scholarships for Transfer Students

The LEAP Scholars program provides transfer students the opportunity to conduct research with scientists at ASU. As a transfer student enrolled in the LEAP Scholars program, you will learn how to maximize your scientific research experience and funding, which is intended to alleviate the need to work while going to school.

What is the LEAP Scholars program?

LEAP is a four-semester-long program for incoming, community college transfer students. LEAP scholars will learn about undergraduate research, conduct research in an ASU faculty member’s lab, mentor incoming LEAP scholars, and present research to the scientific community.

Do LEAP students receive a scholarship?

Yes. By participating in the program, LEAP scholars receive a $3,000 scholarship per semester for a maximum of four semesters.

Why should I do scientific research?

Scientific research allows you to work toward solving real-world research problems and work directly with ASU scientists who are experts in their fields.

You will learn how to think like a scientist. Becoming proficient in this skill is highly recommended if you are interested in entering graduate or professional school, including medical, dental or veterinary school. Participating in research has shown to improve student GPAs.

Who is eligible to apply for the LEAP program?

To apply, you must:

Be transferring to ASU from a community college

Be admitted to ASU as a major in School of Life Sciences; School of Molecular Sciences; School of Earth and Space Exploration; or the Department of Physics

Unofficial transcript must be uploaded to the online application by 11:59 p.m., June 1, 2018

FASFA must be filed by 11:59 p.m., June 1, 2018

Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a college instructor) must be emailed to the program coordinator by the recommenders by 11:59 p.m., June 1, 2018

When should I apply?

Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., June 1, 2018 for priority consideration. We will begin reviewing applications then but will continue to accept applications after that deadline if space remains.

Who do I contact if have questions?

What does LEAP stand for?

What does LEAP stand for?

LEAP stands for Learning, Entering, Advising and Producing research. These are the four areas of research you will learn about while enrolled as a scholar in the program.

See the LEAP Program by semester below.

Semester 1: Learning about research

Semester 1: Learning about research

LEAP scholars will enroll in a 3-unit course focused on the process of research, the culture of scientific research and the research opportunities available at ASU. We will explore potential scientific research interests by touring ASU labs and engaging with scientists. By the end of the semester, you will identify which research lab you would like to work in.

Semester 2: Entering research

Semester 2: Entering research

You will join an ASU lab and enroll in 3 credits of scientific research. Also, you will enroll in a 1 unit course where ASU faculty mentors will help scholars navigate their research experiences, define a research project and communicate about your research project with peers.

Semester 3: Advising new researchers

Semester 3: Advising new researchers

You will enroll in 3 credit hours of scientific research. Scholars will also enroll in a 1 credit course where you will serve as a mentor for the entering cohort of LEAP scholars and lead mini-lab internships for new scholars interested in your research. You will continue to develop your research project and practice communicating your work to the scientific community.

Semester 4: Producing research

Semester 4: Producing research

You will continue to conduct scientific research and enroll in 3 credit hours for your work. Additionally, you will enroll in a 1 credit course where you will write a thesis, prepare and present a scientific poster, and prepare and present a formal talk.